Spotlight: The Unsung Heroes of Downton Abbey: Isis

Who
needs a butler when you have Downton Abbey's yellow lab – spirited,
tail-wagging derriere and all – welcoming you to the great house? After several
seasons of Downton Abbey, it's time to put Isis, Robert's loyal and
lovable lab, in the spotlight, celebrating her aristocratic qualities and her
very best moments.

Downton Abbie

In Season 1, the Crawley family dog was Pharaoh, played by a
yellow Labrador retriever named Roly. When Roly died in the second season,
Ellie joined the family as Isis, but has since been replaced by a wonderful lab,
conveniently named…Abbie!

Crêpe Expectations

In Season 2, Isis was Mrs. Patmore's eager accomplice in putting
housemaid Ethel in her place. When Mrs. Patmore slopped the leftover Crêpes Suzette to the floor rather than
give them to the entitled housemaid, Isis gobbled them up with aristocratic
brio.

Stockhound Syndrome

With Stockholm Syndrome, kidnapping victims develop positive
feelings for their captors. But Isis – kidnapped by Thomas and locked in a shed
until the temporary valet could return the dog to Robert, securing his favor --
proved her case of Stockhound
Syndrome, foiling Thomas by engineering her own escape and safe return to her
master.

On Point

As part of the shooting party in in the Season 2 finale, Isis
had the good breeding and restraint to attend to the pheasants rather than delivering
a much-deserved punishing bite to the bullying Sir Richard Carlisle.

Belle of the Ballroom

No wallflower she, Isis occupies the seat of power –
proximity to the fireplace – during the Jack Ross Orchestra's performance at
Downton Abbey. As dancers and drama may twirl around her, she remains the true belle
of the ballroom.

Lab of Leisure

From the garden party to the church bazaar, no sprawling
estate lawn is complete without the requisite retriever. Isis fills the role
with panache. Noble and nimble, loyal and playful, she loves the earl, but she
heels at the feet of the Dowager.

Man's Best Friend

When a man is burdened by sorrows and insecurities, he is
never truly alone in the world when he has a dog. Fans can only hope that Branson,
as Isis' de facto pet sitter, can find enough company and comfort in her
presence to avoid seeking it from unworthy alternatives!

Earl's Best Girl

Robert is surrounded by women, but the least complicated and
demanding of them all is Isis. She won't disappoint, she won't have to marry, and
she doesn't need to know about his financial foibles. She remains simply and
unquestioningly loyal to her master.

Downton Abbey Season 4 is available on Blu-Ray and DVD now. Order yours today from ShopPBS.org!

In the Season 3 premiere of Mr. Selfrifge, as seen on MASTERPIECE on PBS, the death knell sounds in the Selfridge household, but so do wedding bells. Harry has a new cause. So does Lord Loxley. Watch Season 3 full episodes online for a limited time.

Funding for MASTERPIECE is provided by Viking River Cruises and Ralph Lauren Corporation with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The Masterpiece Trust, created to help ensure the series' future.